MAIN INGREDIENTS
Regularly served at clam shacks throughout New England, fried clams are a delicious appetizer made with clams which have been dipped in milk and corn flour, then deep-fried. The appetizer is typically prepared with whole soft-shell clams, which have a fuller flavor than regular clams.
Although clams have been fried since 1840, the modern version of deep-fried, breaded clams is credited to Lawrence Henry Woodman from Massachusetts, who supposedly created the first version of the dish in 1916.
MOST ICONIC Fried Clams
View moreClam cakes are a summer tradition throughout New England, most commonly found in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. It is a deep-fried combination of chopped clams (usually quahog clams) and batter, usually consisting of flour, milk, clam juice, eggs, and a leavening agent.
The cakes are crispy and golden brown on the exterior, with a light and fluffy texture on the interior. They are especially popular during the clamming season, when clams are in abundance and must be used quickly so they do not spoil over time. Clam cakes are served throughout coastal New England, at restaurants and roadside stands, typically consumed as finger food and accompanied by a bowl of clam chowder for dipping.
MOST ICONIC Clam Cake
View moreEven though it's hard to pinpoint the exact point in time when Fenway franks were invented, it is believed that they were first sold soon after the park's 1912 opening. Since then, these delicious hot dogs have become popular fan favorites at baseball games and a true Boston staple.
Unlike other ballpark hot dogs which are typically either grilled or steamed, Fenway franks are boiled and grilled, then placed in a split bread roll and consumed plain or topped with various relishes or mustard. This hot dog variety is characterized by its bold flavors because the meat is flavored with garlic, onion, and mustard, and the sausages are then cooled using a special process in order to preserve the juiciness.
In Boston, hot dogs are typically served steamed, unlike many other hot dog varieties which are grilled. These hot dogs are often served with baked beans, a true Bostonian staple. The buns should not be large, and they are traditionally cut on the side, so they are thinner and don't overpower the hot dog.
Sometimes, the buns are additionally griddled with butter. The most common toppings for Boston hot dogs include mustard, ketchup, chopped onions, and picalilli – a chunky relish made with pickled vegetables and various spices.
VARIATIONS OF Massachusetts-Style Hot Dog
Dynamite is an American sandwich originating from Woonsocket, Rhode Island. It's made by topping fresh torpedo rolls with a combination of ground beef, peppers, onions, tomato sauce, garlic, and seasonings. It's believed that the topping tastes best if made a few days ahead and then it gets slowly reheated before it's placed on a torpedo roll.
This spicy sandwich is similar to Sloppy Joe and it can often be found at festivals, fairs, and casual eateries in Woonsocket. It's recommended to wash it down with a glass of beer.
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